Steps to Effectively Deglaze Your Brake Drums for Better Performance

How to Deglaze Brake Drums A Comprehensive Guide

Brake drums play a crucial role in the braking system of many vehicles, particularly those with rear drum brakes. Over time, the friction material on the brake shoes can accumulate glazing—a slick, hardened surface that reduces the effectiveness of braking. When this occurs, it becomes essential to deglaze the brake drums to restore their performance. This article will walk you through the process of deglazing brake drums, ensuring that your vehicle remains safe and responsive on the road.

Understanding Glazing

Before diving into the deglazing process, it's essential to understand what glazing is. When the brake shoes intermittently overheat, the surface can become smooth and shiny, which significantly decreases the friction needed for effective stopping power. Common indicators of glazed brakes include a grinding or squealing noise during braking, a lack of responsiveness, and uneven brake wear. If you notice these symptoms, it might be time to deglaze your brake drums.

Tools and Materials Needed

To successfully deglaze your brake drums, you will need the following tools and materials

1. Jack and Jack Stands - To safely lift and support your vehicle. 2. Lug Wrench - For removing the wheels. 3. Brake Cleaner - To clean the brake components. 4. Emery Cloth or Sandpaper - Ideally 80 to 120-grit for deglazing. 5. Mechanic's Gloves - To protect your hands during the process. 6. Safety Glasses - To shield your eyes from debris. 7. Brake Drum Tool (Optional) - This can help with the adjustment and removal of brakes.

Step-by-Step Process to Deglaze Brake Drums

1. Safety First Before starting any work on your vehicle, ensure that it is parked on a flat surface. Engage the parking brake and wear safety glasses and gloves.

2. Lift the Vehicle Use a jack to lift the rear of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels using the lug wrench, exposing the brake drums.

3. Inspect the Brake Drums Check for any visible signs of damage or excessive wear. If the brake drums have significant grooves or cracks, it may be necessary to replace them rather than deglaze.

4. Clean the Brake Components Spray brake cleaner on the brake shoes and the inside of the brake drum to remove dust, grease, and debris. Wipe away any residue with a clean cloth.

5. Deglaze the Brake Drums Using emery cloth or sandpaper, gently sand the surface of the brake drum in a circular motion. Focus mainly on the areas where the glaze is most pronounced but be careful not to sand too deeply; you only need to remove the glazed layer. Sanding should be even and consistent to prevent altering the shape of the drum.

6. Clean Again After deglazing, it’s important to clean the drum again with brake cleaner to remove any sanding debris that may have accumulated.

7. Check Brake Shoe Condition While you have the drums off, inspect the brake shoes. If they appear worn or heavily glazed, they may need to be replaced. Follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement when necessary.

8. Reassemble Once everything is clean and dry, reinstall the brake drums and wheels. Lower the vehicle back to the ground and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications.

9. Test Drive After completing the deglazing process, take the vehicle for a short test drive in a safe area to ensure the brakes are functioning properly. Pay attention to any noises or abnormal behaviors.

Conclusion

Deglazing brake drums can significantly improve braking performance and extend the life of your brake components. Regular maintenance checks and addressing issues as they arise can keep your braking system reliable. If you are not comfortable performing the deglazing process yourself, consult a professional mechanic to ensure the job is done right. Remember, effective braking is a matter of safety, so don’t neglect this critical aspect of vehicle maintenance. Happy driving!